I wish to begin my write-up with certain alarming statistics:

• 129 million Indians are living in extreme poverty (World Bank).

• In the 2024 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 105th out of the 127 countries.

• One farmer/farm labourer dies by suicide every hour in India (NCRB).

• India is likely to have 33.4 million children in child labour in 2025 and 22.7 million children in child labour in 2030 (UNICEF).

• Incidents of student suicides in India have grown at an alarming annual rate, surpassing the population growth rate and overall suicide trends (NCRB).

• The unemployment rate in India stood at 7.8% in September 2024. The labour participation rate fell from 41.6% to 41%, and the employment rate fell from 38% in August to 37.8 in September (Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy).

• A report by NCRB revealed that crimes against women have been on the rise, with 4,45,256 cases reported in 2022, which means 51 cases every hour. In 2024, this rate is found to be ever-rising.

• Manipur has borne witness to ethnic violence for the past 16 months. The victims of violence are spread across the valley and the hills, with thousands displaced from their homes. The same Manipur is once again witnessing a surge in violence. Protests are erupting on the streets. Despite efforts by the government and agencies to control the situation, peace remains elusive in this northeastern state.

• The Union Budget 2024-2025 allocated 11,11,111 crores for capital expenditure, which is 3.4% of GDP. This amount is meant for infrastructure development. But shockingly, newly constructed or under-construction bridges and roads are collapsing in various parts of the country. Road and rail accidents are also on the increase.

It is in this scenario the ruling BJP leaders, including Modi, are going around to various parts of the country with slogans like: "batoge toh katoge" (divided you fall), "ek hai toh safe hai" (if you are united, you are safe) and "ek rahenge toh nek rahenge" (if we are united, we will be good-natured). The opposition parties have come up with another catchy slogan: "daroge toh maroge" (if you are afraid, you will die). According to sensible citizens, these slogans and those using them are stupid. Let me explain with specific images:

• To the 129 million Indians living in extreme poverty, the BJP is asking: "What is wrong if you live in extreme poverty? The urgent need for you today is to safeguard your unity. To these same persons living in utter poverty, the opposition party says, "If you are afraid, then you will die".

• The BJP says to those people who are dying of hunger, "It is true that you are affected by hunger. But you need to be safe by being united." The opposition party cautions the same people, "You will die if you are afraid."

• To the debt-ridden farmers and the families who lost their loved ones due to suicides, the BJP says: "We know that your crops have failed. Many of you have lost your loved ones due to suicides. We advise you to remain united and keep yourselves safe." To such farmers, the opposition party says, "If you have fear, you will die."

• To all the child labourers, the BJP says: "Dear children, truly you have lost your childhood due to child labour. Do not worry, you all can be safe if you are united." To the same child labourers, the opposition party says: "Children, if you are afraid you will die. So, continue to struggle without fear."

• To the restless student community, the BJP says: "Please be united so that you all can be safe." To the family members who have lost their sons and daughters in suicides, the BJP says: "You fall if divided." To the same student community and their grieving families, the opposition party says: "If you are afraid, you will die."

• To all those who are unemployed, the BJP says: "We know that you are facing a severe unemployment crisis. Do not worry! You must remain safe by being united." To the unemployed community, the opposition party says: "Do not be afraid because fear will cause death."

• To the women who face various types of atrocities, the BJP says: "Your life is tough and unsafe. You are raped anywhere and everywhere. Crimes are committed against you continuously. You can be safe if you are united." To the same women, the opposition party says: "You should not be afraid of atrocities. You will die if you are afraid."

• To all the victims of Manipur violence, the BJP says: "Your state has been burning for more than one year. You have lost many lives and your properties. Yet, you all must be united in order to be safe." The opposition party tells the same victims: "Fear will cause more damage. If you live in fear, you are already dead."

• To all those affected by sub-standard infrastructure like roads, bridges and transport, the BJP says: "Each year, we allocate a huge amount for infrastructure development. Yet, there have been regular collapses. Thousands die in road/train/flight accidents. We feel sorry for you. We have only one advice: "Be safe by being united." To the same victims, the opposition party says: "Do not be afraid of poor infrastructure and road/rail/plane accidents. You will die if you are afraid."

Irrespective of the political party, the politicians never or rarely speak on issues like poverty, growing hunger, unemployment, child labour, crimes against women, religion/community/political party-induced violence, corruption, and corporate-loot of public wealth and resources. During the British period, they followed a policy called: "Divide and Rule". Today, the politicians follow a policy named: "Manipulate and Rule". The nonsensical slogans raised by the stupid politicians are actual testimonies of "Manipulate and Rule." Ordinary citizens become victims of such manipulations. Politicians invariably take people for a ride. It is time to wake up and guard ourselves from manipulations. "Into the heaven of freedom, let my country awake."